Taking my first steps...

It seems like an absolute age since I decided that teaching was the direction for me - and now finally my application is complete!

I'd set my mind on getting as much experience as humanly possible, whilst meticulously filling out my application form. I went in for the whole of the first day back, and that was when I got the long-awaited call saying there was a temping placement on offer! Obviously there was no way I could turn it down, despite the knot in my stomach telling me that long-term it may affect my chances...

Looking back now I'm seeing it rather differently! Firstly, I've had plenty of experience over the past few years (gap year reader, Student Associates Scheme, general classroom helper), so it's not like I desperately need to get a year's worth of placement in. Secondly, it's school experience that I'm doing - just from an alternative angle! If the Principal says it could be useful then who am I to argue?

But the real bonus is that, being based in the Sixth Form (sorry, Post 16), I'm in the perfect place to get advice and support. I've managed to find my second referee as well as get offers of reading materials and mock interviews! Plus I had the perfect quiet concentration time prior to work in which I could get on with my personal statement - there just never seemed to be the right time at home! And I'd definitely advise any prospective personal statement writers (PGCE or otherwise) to find some quiet times to really focus on what is one of the most important documents you'll ever write.

To be honest I probably put too much pressure on myself with the whole thing; it makes a good impression being almost a month early, and it's definitely a weight off your shoulders, but looking back I reckon that getting everything submitted a fortnight before the deadline would be enough leeway! Especially as it took nearly a week for the welcome letter to come through from the GTTR, and I'm still nervously twiddling my thumbs waiting to see if my first choice is going to offer me an interview...